EXCLUSIVE: Trump Reveals Putin Calls, Pushes Controversial Easter Peace Deal

Paul Riverbank, 2/9/2025In a significant development, Trump reveals direct communications with Putin and proposes an ambitious Easter 2024 peace plan for Ukraine, while Germany emerges as the second-largest supporter of Ukraine's resistance with €44 billion in aid, highlighting contrasting approaches to conflict resolution.

Speaking exclusively aboard Air Force One, Trump disclosed his recent phone conversations with Putin, though he remained coy about their frequency. "I'd better not say," he remarked when pressed about the number of discussions. The former president painted a picture of a Russian leader increasingly concerned about battlefield casualties, stating that Putin "does care" about the mounting death toll.

"All those dead people. Young, young, beautiful people. They're like your kids, two million of them - and for no reason," Trump emphasized, displaying unusual emotional candor about the human cost of the conflict.

The revelation comes amid leaked details of a comprehensive peace proposal — one that would effectively freeze current territorial positions and establish a European-monitored demilitarized zone. The plan's ambitious timeline targets Easter (April 20) for implementation, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already expressed skepticism.

Meanwhile, Germany — often overlooked in international coverage — has emerged as a pivotal player in sustaining Ukraine's resistance. The German government has committed an astounding 44 billion euros in total aid, positioning itself as the second-largest supporter of Ukraine's war effort. This massive commitment spans multiple domains — from refugee assistance to infrastructure repair and military support.

The contrast between these competing approaches — Trump's push for rapid peace versus Germany's steadfast support for Ukraine's resistance — highlights the complex international dynamics at play. Trump's proposal includes a controversial $500 million deal involving Ukraine's rare-earth minerals and gas resources, while Germany's aid package focuses on comprehensive support, including humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts.

"I want to end this damn thing," Trump declared, expressing frustration with the ongoing conflict. Yet his peace initiative faces significant hurdles, not least from Ukraine itself. The proposal would effectively concede significant territorial losses to Russia — a bitter pill for Kyiv to swallow after three years of brutal fighting.

The humanitarian toll continues to mount. Germany's detailed aid reports paint a sobering picture of the conflict's impact, describing "severe impact on many areas of Ukrainian life" and highlighting the targeting of critical infrastructure by Russian forces. Their response has included funding for infrastructure repair through the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) and extensive support for Ukrainian refugees.

Market observers have noted oil prices responding to these peace overtures, suggesting that even the possibility of resolution carries significant economic weight. However, the path forward remains uncertain, with multiple stakeholders holding often contradictory positions.

As the war enters its third year, the international community faces a stark choice between pursuing an immediate — if imperfect — peace, or continuing to support Ukraine's territorial integrity through sustained military and economic assistance. The coming weeks may prove crucial in determining which path prevails, as diplomatic efforts intensify and battlefield positions continue to evolve.

In a dramatic development that could reshape the trajectory of the Ukraine conflict, former President Donald Trump has revealed direct communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while simultaneously pushing forward an ambitious peace plan aimed at ending the three-year-old war by Easter 2024.Speaking exclusively aboard Air Force One, Trump disclosed his recent phone conversations with Putin, though he remained coy about their frequency. "I'd better not say," he remarked when pressed about the number of discussions. The former president painted a picture of a Russian leader increasingly concerned about battlefield casualties, stating that Putin "does care" about the mounting death toll."All those dead people. Young, young, beautiful people. They're like your kids, two million of them - and for no reason," Trump emphasized, displaying unusual emotional candor about the human cost of the conflict.The revelation comes amid leaked details of a comprehensive peace proposal — one that would effectively freeze current territorial positions and establish a European-monitored demilitarized zone. The plan's ambitious timeline targets Easter (April 20) for implementation, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already expressed skepticism.Meanwhile, Germany — often overlooked in international coverage — has emerged as a pivotal player in sustaining Ukraine's resistance. The German government has committed an astounding 44 billion euros in total aid, positioning itself as the second-largest supporter of Ukraine's war effort. This massive commitment spans multiple domains — from refugee assistance to infrastructure repair and military support.The contrast between these competing approaches — Trump's push for rapid peace versus Germany's steadfast support for Ukraine's resistance — highlights the complex international dynamics at play. Trump's proposal includes a controversial $500 million deal involving Ukraine's rare-earth minerals and gas resources, while Germany's aid package focuses on comprehensive support, including humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts."I want to end this damn thing," Trump declared, expressing frustration with the ongoing conflict. Yet his peace initiative faces significant hurdles, not least from Ukraine itself. The proposal would effectively concede significant territorial losses to Russia — a bitter pill for Kyiv to swallow after three years of brutal fighting.The humanitarian toll continues to mount. Germany's detailed aid reports paint a sobering picture of the conflict's impact, describing "severe impact on many areas of Ukrainian life" and highlighting the targeting of critical infrastructure by Russian forces. Their response has included funding for infrastructure repair through the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) and extensive support for Ukrainian refugees.Market observers have noted oil prices responding to these peace overtures, suggesting that even the possibility of resolution carries significant economic weight. However, the path forward remains uncertain, with multiple stakeholders holding often contradictory positions.As the war enters its third year, the international community faces a stark choice between pursuing an immediate — if imperfect — peace, or continuing to support Ukraine's territorial integrity through sustained military and economic assistance. The coming weeks may prove crucial in determining which path prevails, as diplomatic efforts intensify and battlefield positions continue to evolve.